'Game of Thrones' Stars 'Blown Away' By New Cast Additions

SAN DIEGO — "Game of Thrones" fans received an extra-special treat during a star-studded panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday. During a clip reel tacked onto the season-two highlights, a slew of new cast additions were introduced that had attendees positively buzzing.

A few of the newcomers include Paul Kaye as Thoros of Myr; Diana Rigg as Lady Olenna Tyrell (a.k.a. the Queen of Thorns); Clive Russell as Bryndon "The Blackfish" Tully; and Mackenzie Crook as Orell.

MTV News was lucky enough to chat with the show's current stars after the panel to get their reactions about the casting announcement.

"Paul Kaye has just been cast in it. They just showed it and he's a good friend of mine," Alfie Allen said excitedly. "I didn't know he was in it, so I'm really excited to see what he pulls off."

"We had a read-through where we met some of them," added Michelle Fairley, who plays Catelyn Stark. "Not everybody was available to come for the read-through, but we met some of them like Diana Rigg. My uncle is there this year [Russell as Bryndon Tully] and my brother."

We also asked Fairley when we'll be introduced to Catelyn's father but she answered with a wink and a smile: "I can't say."

Richard Madden (Robb Stark) shared his enthusiasm for the casting of Crook as Orell, who he teased has a lot of interesting action in season three.

"I met Mackenzie and he's awesome, so brilliantly cast. He's a fantastic guy so I can't wait to see what he does," Madden said. "He's out with the boys at the wall and past the wall and with the wildlings. His stuff gets quite crazy."

Several of the castmembers — along with the audience at the panel discussion — were very excited about the casting of TV legend Rigg.

"There are so many people [in the cast]. Diana Rigg is so iconic, I can't even get over it," Emilia Clarke told us. "We were at the read-through and it was one of the things where you're listening to everyone and kind of reading along with the script, and then Diana Rigg starts talking and you're like, 'I'm going to watch.' She just blew my mind, she's incredible."

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